By: Jacob Maslow

If you’re into racket sports or just looking to try something different, chances are you’ve come across padel and pickleball. They’re both growing fast, especially across the UK and Europe. At first glance, they might seem alike. Small courts. No strings on the paddles. Short, fast rallies. But once you play, you’ll notice they offer quite distinct experiences.

Here’s what sets them apart and how to decide which one could be a better match for your style.

Padel: Fast, Unpredictable, and Full of Energy

Padel feels like tennis mixed with squash and a bit of chaos. The court is enclosed with glass and wire mesh. And those walls are not just decoration. You actually use them during play. The ball can bounce off the wall and come back into the rally. That’s where the real fun begins.

You’ll usually play doubles. That means more action and more chances for quick teamwork. One second, you’re smashing the ball. Next, you’re chasing it as it rebounds off the back glass. Padel rewards reflexes and positioning, but it also rewards instinct. Some points last longer than you’d expect, and the ball rarely comes at you the same way twice.

In Spain and Argentina, padel is a national obsession. Now it’s growing fast in the UK. New courts are being built, clubs are forming, and the game is attracting people who’ve never even picked up a tennis racket.

It’s fun, fast, and loud. If you enjoy movement, group play, and fast reactions, padel may well keep you engaged.

Pickleball: Slower, Smarter, and More About Tactics

Pickleball moves at a different pace. The court is smaller and there are no walls. Instead of glass and rebounds, you’ve got a clean, flat surface and some unique rules.

One of those rules is the no-volley zone near the net. It’s called the kitchen. You’re not allowed to smash the ball while standing in it. That simple rule changes everything. It slows the game down and turns it into more of a mental challenge. You can’t just blast the ball past your opponent. You need to be clever.

The paddle is solid and square-shaped. The ball is light and has holes in it. The combination means the rallies are slower. But that doesn’t mean easier. The best players are masters of control. They know exactly when to push forward and when to hold back. It’s a game of placement and patience.

Pickleball is massive in the United States. It’s played by all age groups, but it’s especially popular with older players who want to stay active without putting stress on their joints. Now it’s beginning to grow across Europe too.

If you’re not into diving for balls or chasing them off walls, pickleball might be more suited to your preferences. It’s easier to pick up, but still offers plenty of room to develop advanced skills.

Which One Might Be Right for You?

It depends on what you’re looking for.

If you enjoy fast reactions, chasing tricky shots, and working closely with a teammate, you might prefer padel. It’s a high-energy game that often feels different every time you play.

If you like thinking through your moves, focusing on control, and playing at a slower tempo, pickleball might be more your style.

You really can’t go wrong with either. Both sports offer good workouts. Both are social and fun. And both provide opportunities to learn and improve, no matter your age or fitness level.

So give them both a try. Test the waters. You may find one resonates more with you, or you might enjoy playing both.

Let the game be your guide.